Best Public Parks in Santa Clara

Central Park has a plethora of impressive amenities. On the western side of Saratoga Creek, visitors can find both group and individual picnic facilities, a children's play area, public restrooms, an amphitheater, parking, two well-lit tennis courts, basketball courts, the Veterans Memorial, and the focal point of the City's recreation programs, a spacious 30,000 square foot Community Recreation Center. To the east of the creek lies the renowned George F. Haines International Swim Center, the Bob Fatjo Sports Center, which boasts Tony Sanchez Field (named after the former Parks & Recreation Department Sports/Aquatics Coordinator), and a second illuminated softball field. The Santa Clara Tennis Center, with its eight well-lit tennis courts and practice wall, also offers ample group picnic areas, parking, public restrooms, a lawn bowling green, an exercise course, and a library. For families, there is a delightful park, a water fountain, and a small playground where children can enjoy themselves.

Henry Schmidt Park features sports memorabilia from the forty-year dedication of Henry Schmidt towards elevating athletes, including those from Santa Clara University Bronco athletic teams and the San Francisco 49ers. This impressive display is housed within a spacious neighborhood building. Additionally, this popular park offers a range of amenities. Visitors can access restrooms, the Tom Barrett Softball Field, an exercise course, and four tennis courts (two of which are illuminated). Basketball courts, a large play area, and picnic facilities are also available, making it a perfect destination for families to enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Convenient off-street parking further adds to the park's appeal.

Thamien Park holds a distinguished and illustrious reputation as the City's thirty-first municipal park. Its name pays homage to the historic site of Mission Santa Clara (Mission Santa Clara de Thamien), which was originally established in the vicinity. The Native Americans who resided in this area over 250 years ago referred to it as Thamien. Presently, the fifth site of Mission Santa Clara de Asis stands on the grounds of Santa Clara University. The park itself spans 3.5 acres and is situated between Lick Mill Boulevard and the Guadalupe Creek Trail. It boasts a variety of amenities, including two playgrounds, two half basketball courts, a tennis court, restrooms, turf areas, picnic spots, and a spacious parking lot, all interconnected by pathways. Moreover, visitors can make use of the park's BBQ facility for enjoyable gatherings.